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Last Name Lisboa

What is the origin of the last name Lisboa?

The surname Lisboa (or Lisboa in Portuguese) is derived from the name of the city of Lisbon, Portugal. The use of geographical names as a form of surname dates back to medieval Europe. In many cases, it was a way for people to identify their place of origin or residence. The city of Lisbon has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was known by the Romans as Olisipo (from which the modern name is derived). Over time, as families migrated from Lisbon, the surname Lisboa became a common last name among Portuguese speakers. Today, it remains one of the most common surnames in Portugal and Brazil, where many Portuguese immigrants settled during the colonial period.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lisboa

The meaning and origin of the last name Lisboa

The surname Lisboa originates from Portugal, specifically from the city of Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese). It is a topographic or occupational name, denoting either residence near a place where lime was burned (from Latin "lixus" meaning limestone), or a person who worked with lime. The name may also be associated with the occupation of a builder or craftsman using lime mortar, given its importance in construction and masonry during medieval times. The city of Lisbon became the capital of Portugal in the 13th century, which could have contributed to the widespread usage of this surname among the population. Today, Lisboa remains a popular surname in Portugal, as well as in Portuguese-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lisboa

The surname Lisboa is predominantly found in Portugal, specifically in and around Lisbon, its origin city. This name has been carried by generations of Portuguese people for centuries, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Beyond Portugal's borders, the Lisboa surname can also be found among Portuguese diaspora communities, particularly in Brazil, where it is one of the most common surnames due to historical links dating back to the colonial era. Additionally, smaller pockets of individuals with the surname Lisboa can be found across Europe and North America, often traced back to Portuguese immigrants or descendants from these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lisboa

The surname Lisboa has multiple variations and spellings, reflecting its Portuguese origin. Here are some common forms:

1. Lisboa - This is the standard Portuguese spelling, pronounced as [liʒˈβoːɐ].
2. Liscoba - This variation may arise due to phonetic differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions in other languages. It can be pronounced as [lɪʃˈkoʊbə] in English.
3. Lisbo - A shortened version of the name, often used for nicknames or informal contexts, it is pronounced as [liʒˈbo].
4. Lisbona - This spelling may reflect an attempt to render the name phonetically closer to its original pronunciation in English-speaking countries. It can be pronounced as [lɪzbəˈnɔː] or [lɪzbəˈnoʊ].
5. Lisboone, Lisbone, Lisboun - These anglicized forms of the name may have arisen among Portuguese immigrants to English-speaking nations. They can be pronounced as [lɪzˈbʊn] or [lɪzˈboʊn].

Famous people with the last name Lisboa

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lisboa include:

1. José Saramago (1922-2010), a Portuguese writer and Nobel laureate, best known for his novel "The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis".

2. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (born 1985), often simply referred to as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a professional footballer who was born in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Although not technically a Lisboa, he has established himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time and holds Portuguese nationality.

3. Jorge Colombo Lisboa (1926-2008), a Brazilian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Campo Grande from 1975 to 2002.

4. Maria Helena Vieira de Castro Lisboa (born 1937), a Portuguese journalist and politician who served as President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal from 2006 to 2011.

These individuals, originating from different regions and excelling in diverse fields, have made significant contributions to their respective domains on both national and international scales.

Genealogical research on the last name Lisboa

The surname Lisboa has Portuguese origins and is commonly associated with the city of Lisbon. Historically, Lisbon was the capital of Portugal, making it a significant center for its people. The name Lisboa, or Lisboa de Almada in some cases, is believed to have been derived from "Lisbona," the Arabic version of Ulishbuna, which means "marshy place with roses."

In Portugal, this surname can be traced back to the 15th century. One notable figure associated with the name Lisboa was Nuno Álvares Pereira (c. 1360 – 1431), a Portuguese military leader and statesman who served as Captain General of Portugal from 1429 to 1431. Outside Portugal, the Lisboa family has been documented in Brazil since the early colonial period, particularly in regions such as Pernambuco and Minas Gerais.

Overall, the Lisboa surname is widespread across both Portugal and its former colonies, especially Brazil, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Portuguese settlers.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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